Running Topless August 1, 2012

I have a confession to make….

I run topless.

Okay, so technically I don’t run completely topless. I run with a sports bra on but I am usually sans shirt. I haven’t always been comfortable running without a shirt on. In fact, this is the first year that I have braved running outside without a shirt on and this past Sunday was my first race that I ran wearing just a sports bra and shorts.

In the comfort of my own home I have always worked out in as little as possible. It keeps me cooler during my workouts and it cuts down on laundry. It’s a win-win! But I had always been hesitant about running in public without a shirt on because I felt that people would think I was saying “Look at me!” In actuality what I am saying is “It is too freakin hot out to wear a shirt!”

At this point in my life I don’t care so much about what people think. Look at me or don’t look at me while I am running. I could care less either way. I am not out there running for the attention, I am out there running for me. So why not be as comfortable as possible in the process?

Interestingly the topic about women running without a shirt on sparks a lot of debate on both sides of the issue. Check out this post from Charlotte over at Wild Things RUN Free. Like Charlotte, I have received both positive and negative feedback in regards to my choice to run in just my sports bra as well.

What it comes down to is what feels comfortable to YOU! If you want to run in just your sport bra (or shirtless if you’re a guy) then more power to you! And if you are more comfortable wearing a shirt, then wear a shirt. And while we are at it lets stop passing judgement along to others who choose to do the opposite of you. Because whether you like it or not, I am still going to be running topless!

Wordless Wednesday #12 July 18, 2012

I WANT!!!

My Favorite Running Shorts June 12, 2012

I have done what many runners only dream of! I have found THE perfect pair of running shorts.

With that being said it should be noted that the journey to finding my perfect pair of running shorts was a long and frustrating one but worth every wrong pair of shorts that I tried. And trust me, I have tried many.

Here are just a few that I have tried.

Some shorts were too long, too short, uncomfortable in the waist, rode up in the leg, rode up in the waist, didn’t conceal sweat, had too much fabric, didn’t have enough fabric…. I think you get the idea.

And then these shorts entered my life. And everything changed for the better. Well my running changed for the better anyways. I guess I can’t expect a great pair of running shorts to change my WHOLE life.

Nike Pro Core Compression Shorts

I am partial to fitted running shorts. I can’t stand lose shorts with all the extra material that has nothing to do but annoy me while I am running. However, the main issue with fitted running shorts it the whole riding up the leg thing that is equally annoying. Who wants to keep pulling the legs of their shorts down during a run? Not this girl!

These shorts have minimal riding in the legs if any and no riding anywhere else for that matter. The waistband is fantastically comfy. I love that I can even fold it over if I wish and it stays put! And in true Nike fashion the material is moisture wicking which is a must in my opinion and helps conceal the inevitable sweat that comes from a good run or workout.

Did I mention that I  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these shorts!!! 🙂

What are some of your favorite running / workout gear?

Tommie Copper Calf Sleeves Review December 21, 2011

I have been meaning to write a review about my Tommie Copper calf sleeves ever since I won them during a #RunChat a few months back, but I never got around to it. Since they are the best thing that has happened to my calves other than running, I figured it was time to share my love of Tommie Copper with you!

My Tommie Copper Calf Sleeves!

Not familiar with Tommie Copper? Neither was I prior to winning the calf sleeves, but now they are a favorite company of mine! Tommie Copper offers compression products that are infused with copper. The combination of the compression with the copper relieves pain and promotes healing. For more information about the benefits of compression and copper, click here.

I use my calf sleeves after my long runs and any other time that my calves feel achy. They are super comfy to wear and they speed the healing of my sore muscles. I’ve been known to wear them to bed and even to work! I even took them to Vegas with me and wore them on the plane ride home! They are truly a runner’s best friend!

Living the good life! Relaxing with my Tommie Copper's!

I love my compression sleeves so much, I am trying to convince Tommie Copper to make me a full body compression suit 😉

Even if you are not a runner, you can benefit from Tommie Copper’s calf sleeves or any of their other compression products! If you experience aches or pains, you should definitely try Tommie Copper to get some relief!

Half Marathon Training: Week 4 October 3, 2011

Last week was a tough week to get through because all three of us came down with some sort of sickness at different points throughout the week. But despite that, I still managed to complete all of my scheduled workouts! Phew!

Fitting in my workouts takes a little bit of creativity. I often take a bag of workout stuff with me to work so I can exercise after work and before picking Brennen up from daycare. I also squeeze in a short run when I drop Brennen off for his speech therapy appointment. Since most of my workouts begin away from my house, it is imperative that I remember to bring everything I need with me. Unfortunately, I have been forgetting some important workout items lately. Like my inhaler and my lock for the gym locker. To eliminate that from happening anymore,  I created a ‘fitness basket’ to keep all my exercise necessities in one place.

In it I have my inhaler, Ipod & charger, ear buds, Ipod arm band, Garmin watch & charger, Road ID, active band headband, sunglasses, sunscreen and lock for the gym locker. Now I just put the basket in my bag with my shoes and workout clothes and I am good to go!

Speaking of shoes, on Saturday I stopped at my local Hansons Running store and picked up these beauties.

They are from the Brooks Pure Project Collection. I tried on 3 of the 4 pairs of shoes in the collection and decided on the Pure Cadence because of the extra cushioning they provided. So far I am very happy with them!

Here is what I have scheduled for week 4!

Sunday: 3.5 Mile Run

Monday: Insanity DVD

Tuesday: 3.5 Mile Run & Strength Training

Wednesday: 2 Mile Run

Thursday: 5 Mile Run

Friday: Stretch & Strengthen

Saturday: Rest Day

Have you purchased any new running gear lately? Tell me what you got and how you like it. I love to hear about new gear!

Running Accessories May 4, 2011

Before I considered myself to be a “serious” runner, I thought running was one of the few sports that required very little gear or equipment. However, as time has progressed my arsenal of running gear has grown. I recognize that all of my gadgets are not necessary for running, but for me, each one serves an important purpose.

Here is my list of running essentials:

1. Road ID – Thanks to my running friend, Kevin, I was made aware of this potentially life saving piece of equipment. I wear the Wrist ID Sport in black (black goes with everything) which is engraved with all of my emergency contact information. It gives me a piece of mind knowing that in the event that something happens to me while I am out for a run or working out at the gym, anyone can refer to my Road ID to ensure that I get the help I need.

2. Ipod – As I mentioned in me previous blog entry, running and music go hand in hand for me. I always make sure to keep my Ipod fully charged so the music can propel me through my run. I also have an arm band that my Ipod slides into, so I don’t have to hold it while working out and a pair of earbuds that go over my ears to avoid the pulling sensation the occurs with regular earbuds.

3. Garmin GPS Watch –  I LOVE my Garmin Forerunner 210 watch! It’s definitely an investment, but it is so worth it! I no longer have to pre-plan my running route. At a glance my Garmin will tell me total distance, time and current pace. After my run, I upload my workout to Garmin Connect to access even more information. It will show my route, fastest mile etc. It is a great training tool!

4. Amphipod Handheld Water Bottle – I am one of those runners who has to have water at all time regardless of the length of the run. I used to run with a regular bottle, but it was difficult to hold. This water bottle is great because it has a strap that goes around your fingers so you really don’t have to grip the bottle at all. It also has a little pouch that I use to hold my car key.

The best part of all these gadgets? They make me more excited to get out of the house and go for a run!